The August long weekend is the mother of all long weekends. It is the warmest. Cottage country is the busiest. And, as a result, Hwy. 400 is the nastiest. Here are five stops along the way worth a visit to check your sanity and have some fun.

Tanger Outlets: To some, making it to Cookstown is an adventure in itself. Already tired at this point, many turn to the Tanger mall to put a skip back in their step with a little shopping. Shiny things make Mr. Grumpy go away. Take the Hwy. 89 exit.

Big Curve Acres: This place easily tops the list of stops drivers always plan to make but inevitably forget until it’s too late and the last llama passes from view. Here, during July and August only, Wednesday to Saturday, noon until 4 p.m., visitors can check out this farm’s petting area — an ideal distraction for the kids. There is also a playground and picnic area, but no food is sold on site. On Hwy. 11 near Weber’s.

Sawdust City: Located just off Hwy. 11 in Gravenhurst, Sawdust City is the latest and quite possibly greatest craft brewery to open up shop in Muskoka. Lone Pine IPA is delish, and the same goes for the taco truck parked out front.

Tree Museum: Take Hwy. 6 east off of Hwy. 11 and make a quick stop at the enchanting and all-natural Tree Museum, which is actually more of an open-air art installation that includes a stroll through the woods.